Admin outsourcing

[ChrisHass]

Hi all

I hope you are well. I'm considering outsourcing some of my admin tasks that are eating up my time. I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience of doing this and if there are any reputable companies out there that anyone can recommend?

Thanks in advance

ChrisHass

 

[AmarDigital]

In one of my earlier businesses I actually outsourced to the Philippines using OnlineJobs.ph.

Some quick lessons that I learnt:

• Pay by task and not by the hour. They'll procrastinate otherwise.
• Do every task yourself first, time it and write a process flow or how to guide.
• When hiring, include a simple instruction like "include xxxx in the subject of your application". When they apply, do a quick Ctrl+F for the phrase. If it's not there, disregard immediately. You want someone who can follow instructions.
• Check their level of English and understanding first. Everything else can be taught.

 

[Louise Lee]

Hi Chris,

Apologies but I've only just seen this post and only joined today.

Amardigital makes some good points. If you're based in the UK I would suggest a UK based Virtual PA and I would also suggest using a company that has more than one virtual PA rather than one who works alone - otherwise you're stuffed when it comes to them going on holiday.

When it comes to process flow, a good assistant will understand what you want, swiftly - that's their area of expertise - and your how to guide might actually hinder them. Let them offer solutions to your problems and then discuss. It's also a good idea to ask them what their response times are. I've seen Admin Consultants say that a 24-48 hour turnaround is normal (personally I don't think this is acceptable for most tasks) and that clients have to pay a rush fee for speedier turnarounds.

I'd be very happy to have a chat about what type and level of support your after. Just PM me, I'd be delighted to help.

 

[derick32]

In one of my earlier businesses I actually outsourced to the Philippines using OnlineJobs.ph.

Some quick lessons that I learnt:

• Pay by task and not by the hour. They'll procrastinate otherwise.
• Do every task yourself first, time it and write a process flow or how to guide.
• When hiring, include a simple instruction like "include xxxx in the subject of your application". When they apply, do a quick Ctrl+F for the phrase. If it's not there, disregard immediately. You want someone who can follow instructions.
• Check their level of English and understanding first. Everything else can be taught.

I cannot agree more with this. OnlineJobs.ph is a good site where you can outsource skilled talents that are affordable.

Constant communication is the key in order to manage remote employees effectively. Skype is a good tool to communicate with remote employees. Creating a guide on how to do things is a good thing to do when delegating tasks. You should be clear on what you want them to do, even on the smallest detail. Don't assume that they know what you want them to do, especially on complicated tasks. This way you can guarantee the result of the tasks. Creating a video is a great way to do it so employees can easily see how it's done and if they forget something they can play it back.

 

[Amy Willis]

It can be hard to delegate and let go of tasks you have been doing for a while, so the best practice in my experience is to delegate the less important tasks and over time assign tasks in order of importance once rapport and confidence is built. Though we don't have a VA I have had to delegate admin tasks out to a junior and we built a knowledge base to post guides on carrying out the tasks for minimum errors.

 

[Andrew Beardlsey]

You could help pass over the tasks involved, to a support person by making a short video recording of exactly what you do and need done.
In some cases it can be MUCH easier to get across your message than the written word.
Or you could use screenshots.
The beauty of the above is that they can be used again and again for 2nd and 3rd recruits and you do not have to re-record them.

 

[HazelC]

I would recommend two people, both of which I have heard great things about!

Louise Lee - as above poster
Louise of Indigo11 - also fabulous

 

[Topkwak]

Total Freelance is a UK based online outsourcing company. As mentioned already if you're UK based its worth considering as you can find someone thats close, on the same time zone and no language barrier

 

[colour24]

What sort of tasks are you looking to outsource exactly?

 

[FuturePro]

Understanding the work you are keen to outsource is the the key.

I should say we have a tremendous book keeper. Works as part of the team and is cost efficient as we only pay for the time / work undertaken.

 

[DavidAshdown]

Hi all

I hope you are well. I'm considering outsourcing some of my admin tasks that are eating up my time. I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience of doing this and if there are any reputable companies out there that anyone can recommend?

Thanks in advance

ChrisHass

If you are still looking for a very good UK based outsourcing company, at very competitive rates, please IM me.